Worksurface assembly having cantilevered, vertically adjustable worksurfaces

ABSTRACT

A worksurface assembly includes a base having an interior, a first support column supported by the base, a first worksurface coupled to the first support column and cantilevered outwardly from the base, a second support column supported by the base and a second worksurface coupled to the second support column and cantilevered outwardly from the base. A cable guide including a plurality of links is also provided.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/791,642, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application is directed to a worksurface assembly, and in particular, a worksurface assembly having cantilevered, vertically adjustable worksurfaces.

BACKGROUND

It is well known to provide worksurfaces that extend outwardly from a base structure. Typically, such worksurfaces are supported by one or more legs spaced from the base structure. Such structures are not suitable for height adjustable worksurfaces, however, which require coordination between the base and the spaced apart support legs. Moreover, worksurface systems that incorporate height adjustable worksurfaces are typically one-sided, with only a single worksurface extending from the base due to various spacial and support considerations. As such, these types of systems may not be suited for maximum, efficient use, and may limit collaborative efforts by the user.

It also is desirable to provide power and data access to users of worksurfaces. Routing utility lines to the worksurface, however, may be problematic with height adjustable worksurfaces. In particular, the lines need to be protected, while also allowing for the lines to be played out to different lengths. While it known to use cable guides to protect such lines, it may be difficult to install the lines into the guides if placed internally within a support column, or the guides may not suitably hide and protect the lines.

SUMMARY

Briefly stated, in one aspect, one embodiment of a worksurface assembly includes a base having a width defined by laterally spaced first and second sides and a length defined by longitudinally spaced opposite ends. The base includes and defines an interior. First and second first height adjustable support columns are supported by the base and are moveable in and out of the interior. First and second worksurfaces are coupled respectively to the first and second height adjustable support columns, with the first and second worksurfaces cantilevered outwardly from the base and having front edges spaced laterally outwardly from the first and second sides respectively. The first and second height adjustable support columns are the only structures supporting the respective first and second worksurfaces.

In another aspect, one embodiment of a cable guide includes a plurality of links. Each of the links includes a pair of opposite side plates, each having first and second portions, wherein a first portion of one link is pivotally connected to a second portion of an adjacent link. A connecting plate extends between and connects the side plates. The connecting plates and side plates define an interior conduit shaped to receive a cable. The connecting plate has first and second stepped portions, with the first stepped portion of one link overlapping the second stepped portion of an adjacent link. The first and second stepped portions are slideable relative to each other as adjacent links are rotated relative to each other. The side plates and connecting plates completely enclose the interior conduit on at least three sides such that a line is not visible through or between the connecting plates from an exterior of the cable guide when the links are arranged in a linear configuration. In one embodiment, each of the side plates has a free edge opposite the connecting plate, and a flexible tab extending inwardly from each of the free edges.

In another embodiment, a worksurface assembly includes a base having a width defined by laterally spaced first and second sides and a length defined by longitudinally spaced opposite ends. The base includes an interior and a top defining an upper worksurface. A first support column is supported by the base and extends upwardly from the top. A first worksurface is coupled to the first support column. The first worksurface is cantilevered outwardly from the base and has a front edge spaced laterally outwardly from the first side. A second support column is supported by the base and extends upwardly from the top. A second worksurface is coupled to the second support column. The second worksurface is cantilevered outwardly from the base and has a front edge spaced laterally outwardly from the second side. The base is the only structure supporting at least one of the respective first and second worksurfaces.

In another embodiment, a base has a width defined by laterally spaced first and second sides and a length defined by longitudinally spaced opposite ends. A support column is supported by the base and extends upwardly from a top thereof. The support column defines a vertical utility raceway communicating with a horizontal utility raceway in the base. A worksurface is coupled to the support column and is cantilevered outwardly from the base. The worksurface has a front edge spaced laterally outwardly from the first side and has a utility outlet.

The various aspects and embodiments of the worksurface assembly provide significant advantages over other worksurface assemblies. For example and without limitation, in one embodiment, the pair of worksurfaces provide workspaces on both sides of a base that are approachable and accessible from the front thereof without any obstacles, while also allowing for height adjustability of the worksurfaces in at least one embodiment. The worksurfaces are provided with power and/or data, the supply lines of which may be easily managed by a cable guide. The lines are protected, yet accessible.

The present embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a system of worksurface assemblies.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a worksurface assembly.

FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B are partial perspective views of a base with one storage embodiment having drawer units disposed in a middle and end base unit, and with the drawer unit removed in FIG. 3B to reveal a linkage mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a worksurface assembly.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the worksurface assembly shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a partial, bottom perspective view of the worksurface assembly shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a partial, top perspective view of the worksurface assembly shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a partial, front perspective view of the worksurface assembly with side panels and portals removed.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the worksurface assembly taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a worksurface assembly.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a worksurface assembly.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are opposite perspective views of one embodiment of a cable guide.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged, partial view of the cable guide shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 15 is an end view of one of the links from the cable guide shown in FIG. 14.

FIGS. 16 and 17 shown plan views of alternative embodiments of worksurface assemblies.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a worksurface assembly.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a support column.

FIG. 20 is a front view of the support column in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the upper portion of the support column taken along line 21 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the support column.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The terms “top,” “upper,” “bottom” and “lower” are intended to indicate directions when viewing a worksurface assembly when positioned for use. It should be understood that the term “plurality,” as used herein, means two or more. The term “coupled” means connected to or engaged with, whether directly or indirectly, for example with an intervening member, and does not require the engagement to be fixed or permanent, although it may be fixed or permanent. The term “transverse” means extending across an axis, including without limitation substantially perpendicular to an axis. It should be understood that the use of numerical terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., as used herein does not refer to any particular sequence or order of components; for example “first” and “second” components may refer to any sequence of such components, and is not limited to the first and second components of a particular configuration unless otherwise specified.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a worksurface assembly system 2 is shown as including a plurality of worksurface assemblies 4 arranged end-to-end in a linear configuration along a longitudinal axis 12. The adjacent worksurface assemblies may be connected, e.g. with fasteners, or may remain uncoupled to each other. Each of the worksurface assemblies includes a base 6 having first and second opposite sides 8 and first and second opposite ends 10. The ends 10 are spaced apart along a longitudinal direction and define a length L therebetween. The sides 8 are spaced apart in a lateral direction and define a width W therebetween. In one embodiment, each of the ends 10 and sides 8 are formed by substantially planar walls 14, 16, with a plan view of the base having a substantially rectangular shape, with the length L being greater than the width W. It should be understood that the sides and ends may be non-linear, e.g., curved, and/or further that that the width may be greater than the length. In one embodiment, each of the ends and sides are configured with spaced apart vertical grooves.

In one embodiment, the base 6 is configured as a cabinet and further includes a top member 18, which defines a first worksurface. The top member 18 may be configured with one or more openings 20, such as a pair of spaced apart openings formed in or by an edge 22 of the top adjacent the first and second sides. The openings may be centered in the top, or offset toward one or the other of the ends 10 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17.

In one embodiment, each base 6 is formed by a plurality of base units 24, 26, each having opposite end and side walls 14, 16, and with end storage base units 24 each defining one of the ends 10 of the assembly. In one embodiment, one of the base units is configured as a height adjustable desk 26, while the other base units are configured as storage units. As shown in FIG. 24, three or more storage base units may also be located end-to-end. The height adjustable desk 26 may be located centrally, or on end of the assembly, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. The ends of adjacent base units are abutted, and are connected with various fasteners 30 as shown in FIG. 2. The top member 18 overlies all three base units 24, 26 to provide a unitary appearance, although it should be understood that individual tops may also be used.

The storage base units 24 may be configured with various storage configurations, including one or more drawers, trays or shelves 34 (FIG. 8). As shown in FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B, one embodiment includes a drawer unit 32 moving on a pair of guides 40, and with has a storage area 42 and a top tray surface 44. The sides of the storage may be configured as a door 36 or drawer front, or may simply be left open. In one embodiment, the door 36, which defines a side of the base when closed, swings open on hinges, with the door 36 connected to and pulling the drawer unit 32 out of the base unit 24 when opened by way of a linkage mechanism 38, shown in FIG. 3B. Referring to FIG. 7, the unit 26 may have a removeable cover 33 that is secured on a plurality of hooks or clips. A bottom edge of the cover is configured with a pair of openings 35 shaped and dimensioned to receive the legs of an outrigger. The vertical lines in the doors 36 and cover hide the seams between adjacent base units and provide for an integrated continuous overall appearance of the base, making it appear to be a single integral unit. In one configuration, one of the storage base units 24 is accessible from one side 16 of the base, while an opposite storage base unit is accessible from the other side 18 of the base, such that users on each side 16, 18 have access to at least one storage unit. Conversely, the other side of each storage unit has a fixed, non-moveable panel or wall.

Each end of the base units 24, 26 has an opening 46 positioned adjacent a bottom edge thereof as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6-8. The ends of the units defining the overall system may be configured without such openings as shown in FIG. 1. The openings 46 provide access for power lines 48 that run longitudinally along the length of the assemblies and overall system. The base units may be configured with a floor member 50, acting as a shelf, which is spaced above the floor and provides a raceway 52 therebeneath. The floor member 50 is removable to provide access to the raceway 52 and conduit 48. Power (including conduit), cable and/or data lines 48 may run under the floor member 50 in the raceway 52. The power lines 48 may be provided with quick connectors 54, as shown in FIGS. 6-8. The power lines provide power to outlets 56 positioned on a worksurface, e.g., beneath a cover 58, and/or to a height adjustable column.

The height adjustable desk unit is configured with an outrigger 60 at a bottom of the base. An outrigger may be positioned on or both sides of the desk base unit 26, depending on whether the desk base unit 26 will be configured with one or two height adjustable worksurfaces 70. The outrigger is configured in one embodiment as a pair of legs 62 extending laterally outwardly from the outer side surface of the sides of the base unit. The outrigger legs 62 engage the floor. A footrest cover 64 may be disposed over the legs, and may be coupled thereto, or simply located thereover, for example by recesses formed in a rear wall thereof. The footrest includes an upper support surface 66 that is angled upwardly from a front to a rear thereof forming an angle α with the floor. The angle α is in the range from about 5-15 degrees, and 9.5 degrees in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the footrest has a maximum height of about 100 mm. In other embodiment, the maximum height is about 300 mm.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 9 and 10, each desk unit is configured with first and second height adjustable and telescopic support columns 72 that are moveable in and out of an interior 74 of the desk base unit 26 through the openings 20 in the top thereof. The support columns 72 may include two or more telescoping members that may be raised and lowered by an actuation device, whether configured as an electromechanical screw with a servo motor or as various hydraulic and/or pneumatic devices. In one embodiment, each support column 72 has a substantially U-shaped cross section as shown in FIG. 7, with a channel 76 running along a length thereof and which has a mouth 78 is open to the user space, preferably along an inboard side of the support column facing away from the adjacent side wall. In this way, the channels of a pair of opposing support columns would face each other. An enclosed channel 80 is defined on each side of the support column 72 and houses the actuation mechanism.

Referring to FIGS. 19-21, in one embodiment, the support column 72 includes pairs of lower, middle and upper sections 173, 75, 77. Upper and lower shrouds 79, 81 cover the column sections, and form the channel 76 between the adjacent sections. Top plates 83 are secured to the end of the upper sections 77. A pair of actuators 85, shown as lead screws, each driven by a corresponding motor 87, is disposed in the column sections. The motors are disposed in a cavity 93 formed in a mounting bracket 89, secured to the top plates 83. It should be understood that a single actuator may be used, or a single motor powering a plurality of actuators. The lead screws extend through the top plates 83 and are supported on a bearing 181 that sits on the underside of the bracket 89. The end of the lead screw keys on to lead screw drive shaft 179 that passes through bracket 89. The drive shaft 179 keys in to a recess in a second drive shaft 177 in the drive motor gearbox. The mounting bracket 89 is secured the top plates 83. The lead screw acts on the mounting bracket 89 to raise and lower the worksurface. Support arms 73 (shown as four) are secured in channels 91 formed in the mounting bracket and extend radially outwardly to support the bottom of the worksurface 70.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9 and 12-15, a cable guide 82 is disposed in each of the channels 76. A first end 88 of the cable guide is coupled to a bracket 84, with the end facing inwardly along a lateral direction. A second end 90 of the guide is coupled to an upper end 86 of the support column and faces upwardly. The first and second ends each include a mounting member 92 connected to terminal links defining the guide 82. The mounting member 92 includes a mounting plate having a passageway 94 formed in an edge thereof, a through opening 96 for routing of the lines and one or more openings 98 shaped to receive a fastener, such as a screw, rivet or like structure. The mounting member may be held with fasteners, or may be clipped in place, for example with a snap-fit engagement.

The cable guide includes a plurality of links 100, each having a pair of opposite side plates 102. Each of the side plates includes a first portion 104 and a second portion 106. The first portion 104 of one link overlies and is pivotally connected to the second portion 106 of an adjacent link, for example with a pair of pins 108 extending outwardly from the second portion 106 and which are received in openings formed in the first portion 104, with the pins defining a pivot axis 110. A connecting plate 112 extends between and connects the side plates 102. The connecting plates 112 and the side plates 102 define an interior conduit 114 shaped to receive a cable 116, such as a power line, data line, and/or co-axial cable. The connecting plate 112 has a first and second stepped portions 120, 118 connected by shoulder 122. The first stepped portion 120 overlaps the second stepped portion 118 of an adjacent link. The first and second stepped portions 120, 118 are slideable relative to each other as respective ones of the links are rotated relative to each other about the pivot axis 110. As shown in FIGS. 7, 9, 12 and 13, the side plates 102 and the connecting plates 112 completely enclose the interior conduit 114 on at least three sides when the chain is arranged in a linear configuration. In this way, a line 116 disposed in the conduit 114 is not visible through or between the connecting plates 112 from an exterior of the cable guide when the links are arranged in the linear configuration (see FIG. 12), or are rotated with the connecting plates covering each other.

Each of the said side plates 102 includes a free edge 130 opposite the connecting plate. In one embodiment, a flexible tab 132 extends inwardly from each of the free edges. As shown in FIG. 15, the tabs 132 may be flexed inwardly into the interior to allow various cables/lines 116 to pass into the interior 114, whereinafter the tabs 132 are biased to their normal at rest position thereby trapping and retaining the cables/lines 116 in the interior. In one embodiment, the tabs have free ends that are aligned, but spaced apart to form a gap therebetween 134. The links may be made of a polymer.

Referring to FIG. 15, at least some of the links 100 may include at least one clip 134 disposed in the interior conduit. For example in one embodiment, clips, with flexible arms, are located at the junctions of each of the side plates and the connecting plates. The clips may be shaped to retain one or more various lines 136 and thereby manage the lines within the interior 114.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 9, 10, 16 and 17, the worksurface assembly includes a first and second worksurfaces 70 coupled to the first and second height adjustable support columns 72 respectively by way of support arms 73. Each of the first and second worksurfaces are cantilevered outwardly from the base and have a front edge 150 spaced laterally outwardly from respective ones of the first and second sides 16 of the base. The base, including the first and second height adjustable support columns 72 are the only structures supporting the respective first and second worksurfaces 70. In this way, a user, or more than one user, may approach the worksurface from the front edge thereof facing the side of the base without the obstacle of a support leg. The worksurfaces may have a greater longitudinal length L1 than a lateral width W1, or a greater width than length, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 respectively. The worksurfaces may be configured with various alternative shapes in plan view, including various, oval, round, rectangular, square, obround, elliptical, polygonal, etc., and may be configured with linear or curved edges. In various embodiments, shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the worksurface of the top 18 of the base is not completely covered by the cantilevered worksurfaces, thereby providing for an additional workspace, storage and/or a seating surface.

The adjustable support columns 72 are independently adjustable between a plurality of heights, for example with either or both of the worksurfaces being positioned at a lowermost location adjacent the top of the base unit. In one embodiment, the height of the top of the worksurface may be adjusted between 620 and 1250 mm from the floor. In other embodiments, the minimum height may be 560 mm, and other ranges may be suitable, for example, from 680 to 1100 mm. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 11, a worksurface 70 may also be secured to a base and further supported by a leg 170, with the worksurface 70 having a fixed height, and further supported on the top member by a support 172, or with the legs 170, 172 also being height adjustable. It should also be understood that the support column 70 may be configure as a fixed height column, with the worksurfaces supported thereby in a cantilevered fashion. It should be understood that the outrigger and foot support may be omitted in some embodiments where a worksurface is cantilevered off of both sides of the base.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 18, screens 160 may be coupled to the base and extend vertically upwardly between first and second opposing worksurfaces 70. The screens 160 may have many different shapes, and may include tackable surfaces, writable white board or include various displays, such as a display monitor or projection surface. The screens may be linear along the longitudinal length, or curved, or combinations thereof.

In an alternative embodiment, the screens 162 may be attached to the worksurface 70 and/or support column 72, and be height adjustable therewith as shown in FIG. 18. The screen 162 may be configured with a contour to mate with an edge of the worksurface, including a curved shape. The worksurface may be made of a variety of materials, including without limitation, MDF, chipboard, glass-filled polyurethane, and combinations thereof. The various support components may be made of various metals and plastics, including steel and aluminum.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention. 

1. A worksurface assembly comprising: a base having a width defined by laterally spaced first and second sides and a length defined by longitudinally spaced opposite ends, said base comprising an interior; a first height adjustable support column supported by said base and moveable in and out of said interior; a first worksurface coupled to said first height adjustable support column, said first worksurface cantilevered outwardly from said base and having a front edge spaced laterally outwardly from said first side; a second height adjustable support column supported by said base and moveable in and out of said interior; and a second worksurface coupled to said second height adjustable support column, said second worksurface cantilevered outwardly from said base and having a front edge spaced laterally outwardly from said second side; wherein said first and second height adjustable support columns are the only structures supporting said respective first and second worksurfaces.
 2. The worksurface assembly of claim 1 wherein said base comprises a cabinet having a top with an opening shaped to receive each of said first and second height adjustable columns.
 3. The worksurface assembly of claim 2 wherein said cabinet comprises three base units positioned end to end, wherein said three base units comprise a pair of outer base units each comprising an interior storage space.
 4. The worksurface assembly of claim 3 wherein at least one of said outer base units comprises a drawer laterally moveable relative to one of said first and second sides into and out of said interior storage space.
 5. The worksurface assembly of claim 1 wherein said base further comprises an outrigger extending laterally outwardly from at least one of said first and second sides.
 6. The worksurface assembly of claim 5 wherein said outrigger comprises a footrest.
 7. The worksurface assembly of claim 6 wherein said footrest comprises an angled upper support surface.
 8. The worksurface assembly of claim 1 wherein further comprising a utility line extending upwardly through each of said first and second support columns.
 9. The worksurface assembly of claim 8 wherein said utility lines each comprise a power cord.
 10. The worksurface assembly of claim 8 wherein said utility line each comprises a data line.
 11. The worksurface assembly of claim 8 further comprising a cable guide holding said utility line.
 12. The worksurface assembly of claim 11 wherein said support column has a channel extending along a length thereof, wherein said channel is open to one side of said support column, wherein said cable guide is disposed in said channel.
 13. The worksurface assembly of claim 12 wherein said cable guide encloses said utility lines such that said utility lines are not visible to a user through said open channel.
 14. The worksurface assembly of claim 1 wherein said first worksurface has a greater longitudinal length than a lateral width.
 15. The worksurface assembly of claim 1 wherein said first worksurface has a greater lateral width than a longitudinal length.
 16. The worksurface assembly of claim 1 wherein each of said opposite ends comprise an opening, and further comprising power conduits extending through said openings.
 17. The worksurface assembly of claim 16 further comprising a floor provided in said interior of said base, wherein said power conduit extends under said floor.
 18. The worksurface assembly of claim 1 further comprising a vertically extending screen disposed between said first and second worksurfaces.
 19. The worksurface assembly of claim 18 wherein said screen is connected to said base.
 20. The worksurface assembly of claim 18 wherein said screen is connected to one of said first or second worksurfaces. 21-28. (canceled)
 29. A worksurface assembly comprising: a base having a width defined by laterally spaced first and second sides and a length defined by longitudinally spaced opposite ends, said base comprising an interior and a top defining an upper worksurface; a first support column supported by said base and extending upwardly from said top; a first worksurface coupled to said first support column, said first worksurface cantilevered outwardly from said base and having a front edge spaced laterally outwardly from said first side; a second support column supported by said base and extending upwardly from said top; and a second worksurface coupled to said second support column, said second worksurface cantilevered outwardly from said base and having a front edge spaced laterally outwardly from said second side; wherein said base is the only structure supporting at least one of said respective first and second worksurfaces.
 30. The worksurface assembly of claim 29 wherein said first support column extends through a first opening in said top, and said second support column extends through a second opening in said top.
 31. The worksurface assembly of claim 29 wherein said base comprises three base units positioned end to end, wherein said three base units comprise a pair of outer base units each comprising an interior storage space, and wherein said length of said base is greater than said width.
 32. The worksurface assembly of claim 31 wherein at least one of said outer base units comprises a drawer laterally moveable relative to one of said first and second sides into and out of said interior storage space.
 33. The worksurface assembly of claim 31 wherein at least one of said outer base units comprises a door moveable relative to and defining in part said first side, and wherein said other of said outer base units comprises a non-moveable panel defining in part said first side.
 34. The worksurface assembly of claim 29 wherein said base further comprises an outrigger extending laterally outwardly from at least one of said first and second sides.
 35. The worksurface assembly of claim 34 wherein said outrigger comprises a footrest. 36-39. (canceled)
 40. The worksurface assembly of claim 29 further comprising a utility raceway extending between said opposite ends.
 41. The worksurface assembly of claim 40 wherein said raceway is defined at least in part by a floor provided in said interior of said base.
 42. The worksurface assembly of claim 29 further comprising a vertically extending screen disposed between said first and second worksurfaces. 43-44. (canceled)
 45. The worksurface assembly of claim 29 wherein at least one of said first and second support columns is height adjustable.
 46. The worksurface assembly of claim 29 wherein said base is the only structure supporting said first worksurface, and further comprising a support leg supporting said second worksurface, wherein said support leg is laterally spaced from said second side of said base.
 47. A worksurface assembly comprising: a base having a width defined by laterally spaced first and second sides and a length defined by longitudinally spaced opposite ends, said base comprising an interior and a top defining an upper worksurface, said base comprising a horizontal utility raceway extending between said opposite ends; a support column supported by said base and extending upwardly from said top, said support column defining a vertical utility raceway communicating with said horizontal utility raceway; and a worksurface coupled to said support column, said worksurface cantilevered outwardly from said base and having a front edge spaced laterally outwardly from said first side, said worksurface comprising a utility outlet; wherein said base is the only structure supporting said worksurface. 